Hair does not grow continuously. It cycles through phases of growth, transition, rest and shedding, and each follicle runs its own cycle independently. Understanding this makes both everyday shedding and hair loss far easier to make sense of.
This is educational background that underpins how hair concerns are assessed.
The phases of the cycle
Each hair follicle moves through distinct phases: an active growth phase that can last several years, a brief transition phase, a resting phase of a few months, and shedding, when the old hair is released, usually as a new one begins beneath it.
- Anagen: the active growth phase, where most hair is at any time
- Catagen: a short transition phase
- Telogen: the resting phase, lasting around three months
- Exogen: shedding of the old hair
Why we are never bald between hairs
Because each follicle runs its own independent cycle, at any moment most are growing while a smaller proportion rest or shed. This staggering is why the scalp stays covered and why losing some hairs every day is entirely normal.
When the cycle is disrupted
Stress, illness, hormonal change and nutritional factors can push a larger proportion of follicles into the resting phase at once, leading to increased shedding a few months later. Genetic and hormonal factors can also gradually shorten the growth phase, producing finer hair over time.
Why this matters for treatment
Understanding the cycle is why hair restoration takes time and is delivered as a course; treatment works with the natural rhythm of the follicle. Assessment identifies what is disrupting the cycle, which guides the Hair Restoration Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hair loss per day is normal?
Losing roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day is generally considered normal, reflecting the natural turnover of the cycle. Sudden, sustained or patchy loss is worth a professional assessment.
Why does stress-related shedding appear later?
Stress can push many follicles into the resting phase at once; because that phase lasts a few months, the increased shedding often appears two to three months after the trigger.
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